Australia’s favourite guided holiday company, AAT Kings (www.aatkings.com), and the TreadRight Foundation[1], have teamed up with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to support the koala rehabilitation project at Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital – the country’s largest and busiest wildlife facility.

Coming on board as AAT Kings’ newest conservation partner, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors will receive a significant donation of $48,000 over two years, with the organisations uniting over a shared passion for caring for the nation’s unique wildlife so that it can be protected for many years to come.

Terri Irwin said Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors are thrilled to welcome AAT Kings and the TreadRight Foundation as supporting partners over the next two years.

“We’re so grateful to be receiving this donation which will directly support the treatment and rehabilitation of koalas, one of Australia’s most iconic and unique endangered species at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

“We’re proud to welcome AAT Kings and the TreadRight Foundation as organisations that share our vision of sustainable tourism, environmental protection and wildlife conservation,” said Terri.

As one of Australia’s beloved marsupials, koalas are among the most commonly treated patients at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which cares for nearly 800 koalas each year at an average cost of $1500 per animal. AAT Kings substantial contribution will go towards the medical treatment and rehabilitation of koalas at the centre, as well as the building of eco-friendly constructions that will help protect those that are sick and orphaned.

Anthony Hayes, Managing Director, AAT Kings said: “Around the world koalas are seen as synonymous with Australia. As a result, AAT Kings is extremely excited to be partnering with Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to do our bit to protect these beloved animals and keep them safe within their natural habitat.

“We’re truly passionate about showcasing the very best of Australia to fellow Aussies and international visitors, however we feel that it’s equally as important to spend time educating and informing others about wildlife conservation. For this reason, we’re also revealing some fun ways that our guests can give back and contribute to the treatment, housing and rehabilitation of koalas.”

Helping put a smile on the faces of all those who travel with AAT Kings is the announcement of a company mascot – Sam the koala. This cuddly, stuffed animal will be available for guests to purchase during their tour with a percentage of each sale going towards Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital’s koala rehabilitation project.

The world-class team of vets and nurses at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital are kept extremely busy treating around 100 koalas at any one time during the peak season, with 75,000 members of the public touring the hospital each year. The single biggest reason for koalas being admitted to the hospital is from being hit by vehicles and attacked by dogs as a result of increasing urbanisation and the impact of the human footprint spreading into koalas’ natural habitat.

This latest initiative by AAT Kings succeeds its other conservation partnerships which include working closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks in Victoria to protect the world’s largest species of Little Penguins, and providing support for endangered Tasmanian devils through Tasmania Zoo’s Exhibit Retrofit project.